Dr. Margo Greenwood appointed interim Scientific Director of CIHR Institute of Indigenous Peoples’ Health

News release

June 2, 2022 — Prince George, British Columbia — Canadian Institutes of Health Research

Today, Dr. Michael J. Strong, President of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, announced that Dr. Margo Greenwood has been appointed interim Scientific Director of the CIHR Institute of Indigenous Peoples’ Health for a term of three years. The Institute will be hosted at the University of Northern British Columbia.

As Scientific Director, Dr. Greenwood will play a leadership role in advancing Indigenous self-determination in health research while building a trusting relationship with the Indigenous research community. She will also be instrumental in finding a way forward in respecting the unique identities of rights-holding groups and establishing the hiring process for the next Scientific Director in collaboration with Indigenous communities.

Dr. Greenwood is a highly acclaimed Indigenous scholar of Cree ancestry. She is currently the Academic Leader of the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health and a Professor in the Education program at the University of Northern British Columbia. Dr. Greenwood is recognized nationally and internationally for her work in early childhood care and education of Indigenous children and in public health. In December 2021, she was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada for her scholarship in early childhood education and her transformational leadership in Indigenous health policy. From 2006 to 2013, Dr. Greenwood was a Member and Chair of the Institute Advisory Board for the CIHR Institute of Indigenous Peoples’ Health.

Quotes

“I am delighted that Dr. Greenwood is joining CIHR in the role of Scientific Director of the CIHR Institute of Indigenous Peoples’ Health. She will help guide the Institute, our Governing Council, and all of CIHR, as we collectively strive to achieve our strategic goal of accelerating the self-determination of Indigenous Peoples in health research while contributing to broader Government of Canada priorities related to the health of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples and its commitment to advancing reconciliation and implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.”

Dr. Michael J. Strong
President, Canadian Institutes of Health Research

“UNBC is honoured to serve as the host institution for a research initiative of such critical importance to Canada. Dr. Greenwood is an impactful leader, whose teaching, research and knowledge contribute a great deal to health outcomes, education and policies nationally and internationally. She continues to inspire and motivate those who work with her, and provides hope and optimism for future generations. On behalf of UNBC, I congratulate Dr. Greenwood on her appointment, thank the many members of the University community who support her efforts, and look forward to our continued collaboration.”

Dr. Geoffrey Payne
President and Vice Chancellor, University of Northern British Columbia

“I am deeply honoured to take up this new role and responsibilities as interim Scientific Director with the CIHR Institute of Indigenous Peoples’ Health. I look forward to continuing to build on the vital work set out in the strategic plans of CIHR and the IIPH. In this work it is critical to engage with Indigenous individuals, communities, and organizations across the country.”

Dr. Margo Greenwood
Interim Scientific Director, CIHR Institute of Indigenous Peoples’ Health

“I’m pleased to welcome Dr. Greenwood into this important leadership role. As interim Scientific Director of the CIHR Institute of Indigenous Peoples’ Health, she has a mandate to collaborate with ITK and Inuit regions in implementing the National Inuit Strategy on Research through the Memorandum of Understanding between our organizations. We value our collaboration with Dr. Greenwood and look forward to working with her to advance Inuit self-determination in health research.”

Natan Obed
President, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami

"The Assembly of First Nations recognizes our longstanding collaborative relationship with Dr. Margo Greenwood. As a leader and advocate for improving the health and wellness of First Nations, Dr. Greenwood contributes to our work on several Health and Social committees, such as Public Health, Anti-Indigenous Racism in Health Care, and Early Learning and Child Development. We congratulate Dr. Greenwood in her new leadership role at the Institute of Indigenous Peoples’ Health."

RoseAnne Archibald
National Chief, Assembly of First Nations

“We are pleased to congratulate Dr. Greenwood on joining CIHR as the interim Scientific Director of the CIHR Institute of Indigenous Peoples’ Health. Her work and devotion to improving the health outcomes of Indigenous peoples, particularly Indigenous youth, make her an excellent choice to take on the role. Dr. Greenwood's experience speaks for itself and she will do an incredible job in supporting the Métis Nation's work in the self-determination of health programming and research. We look forward to continuing our work with Dr. Greenwood as she comes into the role to share the work being done in Métis communities on our health priorities.”

Cassidy Caron
President, Métis National Council

Associated links

Contacts

Media Relations
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
mediarelations@cihr-irsc.gc.ca

Sonya Kruger
Communications Officer
Northern Medical Program and UNBC
sonya.kruger@unbc.ca
250-960-5122

At the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) we know that research has the power to change lives. As Canada's health research investment agency, we collaborate with partners and researchers to support the discoveries and innovations that improve our health and strengthen our health care system.

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